10 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE TO CHARITY

If Valentine's Day makes you think about the love you have for your favourite causes, don't worry if you're not sure how to show it – here's 10 suggestions to inspire you:

1 BUY FAIRTRADE CHOCOLATE

Chocolate is one of the most commonly given gifts on Valentine’s Day, so why not purchase Fairtrade chocolate to show the ones you love, and others around the world, that you want to make a difference.

2 GIVE A CHARITY VALENTINE'S CARD

Look out in your local charity shop or on your favourite charity’s website for their range of Valentine’s Day cards – a simple way to spread the love whilst helping a good cause.

3 GIVE A GIFT THAT GIVES BACK

Dedicate a donation to a charity that is close to you or a loved one’s heart.

4 COOK FOR A CAUSE

If you’re a baker, why not make some heart-shaped cookies or bake a Valentine’s-themed cake and take them to shelters, soup kitchens or retirement homes. You could even host a cake sale and donate the profits to your favourite charity. Use our Charity Search for some inspiration.

5 RAISE AWARENESS FOR THE CAUSES YOU CARE ABOUT

Use social media to raise awareness for the charities you care about; it’s a free and easy way to support a charity.

6 GET YOUR HEART PUMPING

Running a marathon, or taking part in a charity walk, is a great way to raise awareness, money and your heart rate. Why not sign up to an upcoming event and go that extra mile for the causes you care about?

7 SPREAD THE LOVE OF GIVING

Spread the word about causes and organisations that mean a lot to you and encourage your friends and family to get involved with the joy of charitable giving.

8 SHOW YOUR BANK BALANCE SOME LOVE

If you're a higher rate tax payer, remember to include the amount you’ve given to charity on your Self Assessment Tax return this year, so you can claim back the additional tax you paid on your donation. Find out more about tax-effective giving through CAF.

9 RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS

February isn’t only about Valentine’s Day – Random Acts of Kindness Week is happening between 11 – 17 February this year. You may not have the time to spend an entire day volunteering, or the money to spend on a donation, but as you go through your day, think about simple ways you can help make a positive difference to others.